A Debt Collector Called My Workplace - Is That Legal?

You're at work. Your coworker says, "Someone called for you about a debt?" Your stomach drops. Can they actually do that?

The Short Answer: Usually No

Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), debt collectors have strict limits on calling your workplace:

• They can't call if you've told them your employer doesn't allow it
• They can't reveal to ANYONE that you owe a debt
• They can only call to find your contact info - not to discuss the debt

What Exactly Is Illegal

Violation 1: Calling After You Said Not To

If you tell a debt collector (verbally or in writing) that your employer prohibits personal calls, they must stop. One more call after that = FDCPA violation.

Value: $1,000 statutory damages per case, plus any actual damages.

Violation 2: Revealing Your Debt

A collector calling your work can only ask how to reach you. They CANNOT:

• Say they're calling about a debt
• Leave a message mentioning debt collection
• Tell your boss or coworkers anything about why they're calling
• Send letters to your workplace about the debt

If your coworker knew it was about a debt, the collector broke the law.

Violation 3: Calling Multiple Times

Even if the first call was technically legal (just asking for contact info), they can typically only call your workplace ONCE. Multiple calls suggest they're harassing, not locating.

What to Do Right Now

1. Document everything - Date, time, what was said, who heard it
2. Tell them to stop in writing - Send a cease communication letter specifically mentioning workplace calls
3. Get witness statements - If coworkers heard anything about debt, get it in writing
4. Check your rights - Use our violation checker to see if you have a case

Can You Sue?

Yes. Under the FDCPA, you can sue for:

• $1,000 statutory damages (automatic if they violated the law)
• Actual damages (lost job, emotional distress, etc.)
• Attorney fees (the collector pays your lawyer)

The best part? Because of fee-shifting, attorneys take these cases for free. If you win, the collector pays your legal fees. If you lose, you owe nothing.

Real Example

"A debt collector called my desk phone three times in one week. By the third call, my supervisor asked what was going on. An attorney took my case for free, and we settled for $2,500. The collector also had to stop calling."

Take Action

Workplace calls are one of the clearest FDCPA violations. If it happened to you, don't ignore it - document it and talk to an attorney.